KARAM F. KHATIB

• Formulated and executed comprehensive digital assurance strategy, aligning with solutions by stc strategic initiatives, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of continuous audit practice.
• Spearheaded integration of agile methodologies and data-driven solutions into audit practices, optimizing strategic objectives by addressing human factors.
• Orchestrated digital transition process, managing all aspects of work plan, providing regular status updates, and resolving obstacles for seamless execution.
• Fostered strong communication channels with key stakeholders and decision-makers, facilitated knowledge sharing within audit team, focusing on emerging technologies and best practices adapted for continuous audit practices.
• Championed utilization of cutting-edge tools and innovative technologies, including SQL Python, RPA, to automate transactions checks and enhance audit analytics capabilities.
• Conducted thorough reviews and analyses of systems and applications controls to conclude feasibility of control test automation and report on gap and implementation blocker.
• Drafted and disseminated reports on continuous audit practices showcasing insights derived from data analytics and audit findings.
• Contributed to recruitment, hiring, and training efforts, ensuring team is equipped with necessary skills and expertise.
• Established departmental performance goals and provided constructive feedback to address underperforming areas, driving continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion

• Played pivotal role in developing internal audit transformation strategy, aligning with evolving industry trends such as continuous audit, multi-stage audit, and combined assurance
• Developed current state assessment along with SWOT analysis to conclude feasibility of integration continuous audit solution IA function using MOSCOW Prioritizing Matrix.
• Organized identification and implementation of automated controls test for over than 125 control with more than 60 dashboards, crafting detailed business requirement documents outlining test specifics for mega cycles (e.g H2R, P2P, B2O, etc..)
• Arranged validation of test outcomes and User Acceptance Testing (UAT), driving enhancements to mitigate false positive exceptions.
• Innovated PoC of new solutions for exception handling, elevating operational efficiency and reporting accuracy within continuous auditing practices.
• Pioneered development of data-driven health indices, including Financial, Culture and Ethics, Internal Control Index integral to organizational change management and business transformation efforts.
• Led development of descriptive and predictive analytics to identify business opportunities, optimize processes, and improve performance across key areas such as project spending and assets management.

• Ensured periodical review and refining of Internal Audit Charter, manuals, framework in accordance with IPPF standards and leading practice. Integrating enablers to meet Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) requirements.
• Took accountability for conducting risk assessments across business cycles and mega processes, formulating comprehensive 3-year strategic audit plan.
• Advised on corporate governance frameworks, critical policies such as Finance and Accounting policy, Human Capital, Procurement, Conflict of Interest Policy, to ensure alignment with leading practices and fostering culture of compliance and transparency.
• Managed end-to-end audit engagements for more than 23 reviews, from planning to reporting, ensuring timely completion and adherence to objectives.
• Concluded and finalized audit findings, delineating associated risks and presenting actionable recommendations to stakeholders.
• Provided valuable perspective on audit findings, benchmarking against evolving industry standards and best practices.
• Compiled comprehensive audit reports for CEO and concerned stakeholders, including red flag and fraud indicator special reports.
• Facilitated seamless coordination between various internal departments and external oversight bodies, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Monitored operational performance against budgets to identify and rectify areas of unsatisfactory performance promptly.

• Drafted over than 18 comprehensive audit reports detailing observations, findings, business impacts, and recommendations for improvement.
• Managed follow-ups with auditees to ensure implementation of audit recommendations.
• Evaluated and enhanced risk management plans to proactively anticipate contingencies; led and participated in fraud investigations and special reviews.
• Developed and presented findings of Operations Internal Audit to Internal Audit Committee.
• Negotiated and managed Operations Internal Audit projects with external vendors.
• Transformed audit processes to align with leading industry practices and trends, providing continuous support to business units with cost-efficient recommendations.
• Enhanced operational audit methodology and supervised its implementation according to planned strategies.
• Developed supporting procedures to execute Internal Audit methodology consistently.
• Participated in development of internal policies, procedures, and forms related to operational audit methodology.

• Led audits independently, handling mainstream assignments with minimal supervision.
• Collaborated closely with top management to resolve audit findings and implement recommendations effectively.
• Organized and directed operational audits in line with annual audit plan, adhering to set timelines and budgets.
• Continuously wanted to refine operations audit methodologies, introducing significant enhancements to audit programs and approaches.
• Planned and scoped audits, performing comprehensive risk assessments across major business processes and units.
• Produced and delivered detailed, high-quality audit reports for complex and sensitive assignments, ensuring technical accuracy and clarity.
• Leveraged automated tools and processes to streamline audit activities, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
• Prepared and presented critical findings and strategic insights at Audit Committee Meetings.
• Provided executive-level overviews of current practices, control weaknesses, and risk exposures to management and audit department head.
• Migrated all working papers to Audit Management System to improve data integrity and access.
• Played key role in risk assessment process and execution of audit plan, contributing to robust risk management strategies.

• Worked closely with top management for closing audit finding and recommendation
• Organized, completed, and led operation audits according to annual audit plan and agreed timelines and budget
• Provided to management and head of audit department executive landscape view of current practice, controls weaknesses and risk exposure
• Actively seek out ways to develop and implement improvements to operations audit methodology including enhancements to audit programs and approach
• Delivered accurate, effective, well-written, high quality audit programs and audit reports, for more technically challenging, complex and sensitive assignments
• Utilized automated tools and processes to carry out operations audit activities and tasks
• Migrated working papers to Audit Management System
• Heavily involved in risk assessment exercise as well as audit plan execution.

• Initiated Kick-off Meetings: Led initial client meetings to outline scope and objectives, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals.
• Business Process Analysis: Conducted in-depth analysis of business processes to identify risks and evaluate effectiveness of existing controls, enhancing overall process understanding.
• Risk-Control Matrix Creation: Developed comprehensive risk-control matrices for audited areas, customizing risk-based audit programs to address specific organizational needs.
• Control Enhancement Opportunities: Identified and recommended multiple opportunities to strengthen controls, and improve operational efficiency and effectiveness, leading to enhanced business practices.
• Control Testing and Reporting: Executed tests of control and drafted detailed audit reports, highlighting findings, impacts, and recommended corrective actions to mitigate risks.
• Anticipate more than 12 consulting assignments for telecom and banking industries covering CAPEX management, call centre operation, contract & legal review, third party inspection, diagnostic review

A team member of multiple assignments with different industry such as

1. Telecom Industry:

• Project Management Review
• Procure-to-Pay Cycle Review

2. Energy Industry

• Accounting Standards Compliance:
• Privatization and Restructuring Implementation Program to covert from cash to accrual basis

3. Banking Industry

• Payroll Accounting: A.
• Human Resources (HR) Review:
• General Ledger (GL) Closing and Financial Reporting